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Liberal Arts - History

Program Codes: LAHIS.AA
Associate in Arts Degree

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The program in History at Middlesex explores ideas, institutions, and patterns of behavior that develop over time. We believe an understanding of the historical context of human existence is central to a liberal arts education. Studying history requires the ability to interpret texts and documents of great variety, and to develop critical evaluation skills.

Many Middlesex History majors pursue further study in related fields such as law and international relations. Double majors among historians are common, as history provides an excellent complement for training in many fields.

 Upon completion of this program, students will be able to:

  • Articulate their place in human culture and the global society from a multi-disciplinary perspective acquired through the study of the social sciences, humanities, history, natural sciences, mathematics, arts, and languages.
  • Recognize cultural, religious, artistic, economic, political and social forces that have shaped society up to present times.
  • Analyze change over time as it relates to key events, ideologies, or themes (cultural, religious, economic, political and social) in various geographic areas. 
  • Apply basic historical research skills to locate primary and secondary sources, including (as appropriate) the effective use of libraries and databases.
  • Evaluate the reliability of primary and secondary sources using the historian’s methods.
  • Create an historical argument using both primary and secondary sources.
Contact the Department Chairperson

Recommended Course Sequence

Below are required courses and recommended courses groupings and sequences for program completion.   Courses may have prerequsite or corequisite requirements.  Check course descriptions for details.

SEMESTER I

3

Select one of the following History sequences:

HIS-121 and HIS-122 OR HIS-131 and HIS-132 OR HIS-221 and HIS-222

OR

OR

Select SPE-121 or SPE-123.  SPE-123 - Discussion and Debate is recommended.

OR

SEMESTER 2

3

Select one of the following History sequences:

HIS-121 and HIS-122 OR HIS-131 and HIS-132 OR HIS-221 and HIS-222

3

Choose one 3-credit Mathematics or Science course designated in the course descriptions as General Education MST (GE MST).

3

Take one of the following GE Sociology Courses - SOC-121, SOC-122, SOC-123 or SOC-131.

OR

SEMESTER 3

3

Select a 200-Level History Course.

3

Choose one course designated in the course descriptions as General Education Humanities (GE HUM). Choose two modern language courses in sequence from either: CHN, FRE, GER, HIN, ITA or SPA. For students who completed at least two years of high school study in one modern language, their level of language will be determined by a placement test (excluding SPA-242).

3

Select a 200-Level History Course.

OR

OR

3

Choose one 3-credit Science course designated in the course descriptions as General Education MST (GE MST).

SEMESTER 4

3

Choose one course designated in the course descriptions as General Education Humanities (GE HUM). Choose two modern language courses in sequence from either: CHN, FRE, GER, HIN, ITA or SPA. For students who completed at least two years of high school study in one modern language, their level of language will be determined by a placement test (excluding SPA-242).

3

Choose one course designated in the course descriptions as General Education Social Science (GE SS).

3

Choose one course from the following areas: AFS, AGD, ART, ASL, BIO, CHM, CHN, CJU, COM, COR, CPT, DAN, DMA, EDU, ENG, FRE, FSC, GER, GLS, HCS, HED, HIN, HIS, IDC, ITA, JOU, LNC, MAD, MAT, MUS, PCP, PED, PHI, PHY, POL, POS, PSY, SCI, SOC, SPA, SPE, SSD and THE.

HED-150 or HED-200 recommended.

Total Credits 60

Contact Information

History and Social Sciences

Contact Name: Timothy Hack, department chair 
Contact Phone: 732.906.2590
Contact Email: HSS@middlesexcc.edu 
Department Web: https://www.middlesexcc.edu/history-social-science/


Frequently Asked Questions

Why study the Liberal Arts?

A Liberal Arts education helps students develop strong and ordered minds as they explore the world’s collected wisdom in literature, history, mathematics, science, philosophy and the arts. It teaches them to recognize and construct arguments, to appreciate diverse cultures and perspectives, and to have a sense of scholarship about the lives and events that have gone before. Liberal Arts emphasis on language helps students broaden their cultural perspective and become more aware of their own identity. Courses comprising a Liberal Arts education at Middlesex County College are the core of all liberal arts programs at the bachelor’s level. Students may select the general degree, the most flexible of all our Liberal Arts programs, or one of the many specialized options.

Are there any requirements that must be satisfied before taking courses in the major?

Algebra I is a prerequisite for all majors. Competency in Algebra I may be verified with a passing score on the College’s placement test or by completion of the appropriate course. Students must also have a grade of “C” or better in one year of high school laboratory science.

How long will it take to complete this degree?

Once students complete required developmental coursework (if any), the degree can be completed in two years of full-time study. Students may shorten the amount of degree completion time by taking courses in the summer and winter sessions.

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